Question 1

What is the difference between the "original" and the "improved version (original)"?

Accepted Answer

I am the manufacturer/Producer of the Take A Look Cyclist mirror (using my wife's personal account as we do not sell on Amazon). The other answers are incorrect.   There is NO improved version.  The last Structural change was roughly 20 years ago.  About 6 years ago we did attempt to use a "first surface" mirror for about 2 years.  The first surface mirror was easily damaged so we discontinued it.  However, there was not part number change or product code change.   This is simply bad marketing by unscrupulous vendors.  From what I have seen, they are from overseas (from the USA).

My best guess, they are trying to differentiate themselves from other vendors (the honest ones) to sell you something they would normally not be able to compete against.

I apologize for this.  However the way Amazon works, we as the producer and owner of the product have not control over this. Vendors on Amazon, and Amazon themselves buy our product through distributors and not from us directly.  So, Amazon doesn't even know who we are.

One of the other answers compares the Original to the Compact.  This one is technically correct, but does not address the issue of "improved".   We do produce 2 models:   The Original and the Compact.  Neither are "improved".  They are just different from each other.

We do make custom mirrors, however we do not sell the customs through any other channel or vender.  Customers have to come to us directly for the customs through our website.  (since this is not an advert, I am not allowed to give our website)

To sum up, there is NO such item as an "Improved" or any other adjectives to our product line.

Thank you for asking.
Christopher Lund. - Take A Look Active LLC  (was Bike Peddler Bike Products (Can't even get Amazon to update that))

Question 2

What should I see in the mirror when adjusted correctly? I have been unable to see things directly behind me that are far off.

Accepted Answer

Think of this mirror as the same as if it were an outside rear-view mirror on the door of your car. Assuming you are in a country that drives on the right, you would turn your head slightly to the left (to about 11:00 o'clock) to view the car mirror. While driving, you don't even think about it... right? You automatically just turn your head slightly to the left to look into the mirror.

Also, just like in a car mirror, take short glances... (More on this later.)

That is how I set up my bike mirror mounted to the left (flat) frame of my glasses. Here is how I do it:
1. Find a stable place where I can sit on your bike in the riding position while being stationary. A building, park bench, or other solid object on your right side is perfect to "steady" me during adjustment.
2. Position my body into "riding position".
3. Turn my head slightly to the left (mimicking your head movement as if I were using a door mounted mirror on my car.)
4. Adjust the mirror while sitting in that position, just as I would for my car's outside rear-view mirror.

Continuing with the "mimicking a car mirror" theme. Remember that when you use a car mirror, you don't need to read the license plate of the car behind you... you just need to know it is there. That is, when using a car mirror, you take short glances... then get your eyes back on the road. It is the same with this mirror.

I say that because some people complain the mirror gives them a headache and seeing detail in the mirror is difficult. You would get a headache with a car mirror too if you tired to use it for long viewing shots behind you. (Not to mention it would be dangerous to take your eyes off the road for so long.) ... Remember... take short glances!

So the major points are:
1. Adjust the mirror with the anticipation of turning your head slightly to the left, just like you would in an outside car mirror.
2. Take short glances, then get your eyes back on the road, just like you would and outside car mirror.

I have been using these mirrors for years. I've replaced a few, not because they wore out, but only because I have lost them. In at least 10 years (probably much longer), I have never had one break or "wear out".

Question 3

compact or original size?

Accepted Answer

I have both sizes. Each has its advantages. Given the pricepoint for this item of equipment and its relative importance, I'd suggest that you purchase both items, too.

However, if you are looking for a recommendation, here it goes:

ORIGINAL: 29mmx37mm mirror with 81mm armature. The mirror being larger and on a longer arm tends to bounce slightly more. However, it seems to be slightly easier for my eye to focus on the farther-away image.   Also, I seem to have less issues seeing with background glare using the original version.

COMPACT: 18mmx37mm mirror with 46mm armature. The mirror being on a shorter arm helps compensate for the field of vision of the smaller mirror. For me, the horizontal field of vision of the compact mirror is better than the original. (I can see slightly wider, but at the expense of having to concentrate slightly more.)

Verdict: If you're the type who is just interested in the device simply working without any hassles, then get the original. On the other hand, if you're the type who is willing to put the extra effort into getting the best possible performance from an item 
(accepting that extra effort can be a chore at times), then get the compact.

Question 4

What are the dimensions of the mirror itself

Accepted Answer

This product comes in 2 sizes:compact size has mirror = 20x37 millimeters (HxW)original size has mirror = 28x37 millimeters (HxW)

ASIN	B000AO7ETQ
Auto Part Position	Front
Automotive Fit Type	Universal Fit
Best Sellers Rank	#33,569 in Sports & Outdoors ( See Top 100 in Sports & Outdoors ) #42 in Kids' Bike Accessories #55 in Bike Mirrors
Brand Name	TAKE A LOOK
Compatible with Vehicle Type	Bicycle
Customer Reviews	4.0 4.0 out of 5 stars (1,298)
Fit Type	Universal Fit
Global Trade Identification Number	00651810030000
Item Dimensions	3.5 x 0.25 x 1.63 inches
Lens Curvature Description	Flat
Manufacturer	TAKE A LOOK ACTIVITY MIRROR
Manufacturer Part Number	300
Material Type	Brass, Polycarbonate (PC), Stainless Steel
Model Number	300
Mounting Type	Sunglasses or helmet visor
Operation Mode	Manual
Other Special Features of the Product	Adjustable, lightweight and optically correct, versatile attachment, minimal vibration
Shape	Rectangular
Size	Compact
UPC	651810030000

Take A Look Cycling Compact Mirror for Helmet & Eyeglasses | Smaller profile. Same natural rear view. Your mirror follows your head movement, not your handlebars.

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